～JGSDF UH-1H spare parts handed over to the Philippine Air Force～

1. On 19 March 2019, spare parts for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) UH-1H helicopters were turned over to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at a ceremony held at Clark Air Base, Pampanga. The Japanese side was represented by Assistant Commissioner of Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency(ATLA) Toshihiko Fujii, Embassy of Japan Deputy Chief of Mission Minister Takehiro Kano, and members of Japan’s ATLA, among others. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led the Philippine side, accompanied by DND Undersecretary Raymundo Elefante and PAF chief Lt. Gen. Rozzanjo D. Briquez together with Air Force personnel.

2. At the ceremony, Mr. Fujii, Secretary Lorenzana, and Lt. Gen. Briquez delivered their remarks after the turn-over of the UH-1H spare parts documents. Mr. Fujii emphasized the significance of this move for Japan-Philippines relations, saying the “transfer of UH-1H parts will not only strengthen our friendship but also lead to increased capabilities” of the Philippines in humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HA/DR) as well as in “transport and maritime surveillance,” and ultimately “contribute to the region’s peace and stability.”